Is Bose worth the premium
Discussion
I have not bought a proper hifi since I was single, 25 years ago. Plus did not see the point of having decent kit while my kids were growing up. As a reward for 10 years with my firm I have £500 to spend or put towards anything I like. I was looking at the Bose Wave System unit for my lounge. Anyone had experience of these systems or have opinions? I am not the type to configure my own perfect system from separates but I do like a decent quality sound.
Seen as overpriced by those that (claim to) know.
You could try here: http://whathifi.com/BestBuys/Micro-and-style-syste...
But do try it out- years ago I tested their 'best' micro system (also a Denon) against a similar Technics, and I far preferred the Technics.
You could try here: http://whathifi.com/BestBuys/Micro-and-style-syste...
But do try it out- years ago I tested their 'best' micro system (also a Denon) against a similar Technics, and I far preferred the Technics.
The slightly longer answer is also No! Followed by, don't believe what you read in W*** H*** (and please don't give them anymore free publicity). 
If you insist on something 'compact' or 'lifestyle' you can get much better results looking at the KEF 3005 ('eggs') or the relaunched M&K speaker range for starters......Other makes are available for either less money than Bose or simply far better performance for the same price. It's not that Bose are bad, just very expensive for the sound quality they produce. For example I have a smallset of AEGO 2 speakers setup with our bedroom PC/TV and they cost about £90 yet have similar compact appearance to the Bose and (admitedly from memory a good few years ago) sound as good as the Bose 2.1 setup I listened to at the time, which cost many times more. They seem to be a triumph of marketing over substance, IMVHO. I'm trying to think of a parallel with a model of car, but that would probably start a flaming war of a different kind.
If you insist on something 'compact' or 'lifestyle' you can get much better results looking at the KEF 3005 ('eggs') or the relaunched M&K speaker range for starters......Other makes are available for either less money than Bose or simply far better performance for the same price. It's not that Bose are bad, just very expensive for the sound quality they produce. For example I have a smallset of AEGO 2 speakers setup with our bedroom PC/TV and they cost about £90 yet have similar compact appearance to the Bose and (admitedly from memory a good few years ago) sound as good as the Bose 2.1 setup I listened to at the time, which cost many times more. They seem to be a triumph of marketing over substance, IMVHO. I'm trying to think of a parallel with a model of car, but that would probably start a flaming war of a different kind.
Edited by OldSkoolRS on Friday 23 October 19:10
You will find that Bose are very Wife friendly that is why the sell well. If you have a local HiFi shop its well worth calling in and you will find out what a Bose priced 'other' system sounds like.anonymous said:
[redacted]
Well there are three alternatives in my post post above, but just incase you missed them with links provided:KEF 3005SE:
http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?hl=en&...
M&K various, but starting at the lower end M5 range (could use another subwoofer to reduce costs, such as a BK Electronics model):
http://www.hifigear.co.uk/site/scripts/products.ph...
The current 5.1 version of my Aego2 bedroom system (also available in white):
http://www.hifigear.co.uk/site/scripts/product_bro...
I could also add the Tannoy Arena and the Q Acoustics range on this page (amongst others):
http://www.richersounds.com/products/home-cinema/s...
Of course you can buy Bose and probably impress any non AV enthusiast vistors, but they just aren't good VFM based on my experience of them.
Check it out for yourself and see if you like it.
Unfortunately Bose has a weird sheep-like following on the internet where people rip into the stuff, despite their only actual experience amounting to nothing more than some internet forum here-say and once strolling past a Bose something-or-other in John Lewis.
Im not saying its good or bad. Im just saying you need to form your own opinion on this one.
P,
Unfortunately Bose has a weird sheep-like following on the internet where people rip into the stuff, despite their only actual experience amounting to nothing more than some internet forum here-say and once strolling past a Bose something-or-other in John Lewis.
Im not saying its good or bad. Im just saying you need to form your own opinion on this one.
P,
Thanks all. I usually only inhabit the motors and watches sections of PH and should have expected an equivalent breadth of opinion on this subject. I suppose there is an element of laziness behind my post. I absolutely accept the purist view and the scepticism towards certain brands. Whilst I would get excited researching for my next car, and devote many weeks/months in the process, the stereo thing leaves me a bit cold. This is why a single box solution, permanently advertised in weekend paper supplements, appeared quite interesting as it could save me a shed load of effort. However as a result of the replies I am going to pop into town and visit a few hifi shops including Richer Sounds.
Without opening up a new can of worms my situation could be analagous to being a BMW buyer. I read somewhere of all car brands they have one of the highest proportion of customers who buy without ever taking a test drive.
Not me though.
Without opening up a new can of worms my situation could be analagous to being a BMW buyer. I read somewhere of all car brands they have one of the highest proportion of customers who buy without ever taking a test drive.
Not me though.
ChasW said:
Went to Richer Sounds and explained by circumstances and requirements. The helpful chap listened and then recommended
Cambridge Sonata Cd30
Cambridge Sonate Dr30
Cambridge S30 speakers
Comes in at £79 above my budget.
So they recommended their own brand products? It's probably a decent system, but you have to be somewhat skeptical as it's all their own products. Cambridge Sonata Cd30
Cambridge Sonate Dr30
Cambridge S30 speakers
Comes in at £79 above my budget.
Listen to a variety of systems and choose the one you prefer. I've got a Bose setup in my lounge which serves it's purpose. My 'better' equipment is too large to be allowed so it's in my office ;-)
If what you're looking for is an 'all in one' system then have a listen to the Vita R4....CD, DAB, FM ,USB, and ipod dock. Try www.vitaaudio.com
If you're after a nice compact stereo that will sound good, Try the Denon DM37 (Around £250 without speakers) all in one radio/Cd player, and pair it with a pair of Wharfdale 9.1 bookshelf speakers (£100-£150 depending on finish, I have them in Mahogany veneer and they look awesome). You won't be disappointed. Spend the rest on some speaker stands and speaker cable, and a good T shaped FM antenna.
I have heard the Bose all in one docking system/CD player and I wasn't impressed. It just doesn't sound expansive or have any weight behind it. It does a good job of sending sound around the room, bu is best suited to ambient music for example.
I have heard the Bose all in one docking system/CD player and I wasn't impressed. It just doesn't sound expansive or have any weight behind it. It does a good job of sending sound around the room, bu is best suited to ambient music for example.
To answer your qusetion:-
Is Bose worth the premium..... it's upto you on what you want, as everyone has different criteria.
a) if you want to buy something out the box that works very well but cannot be bothered with shopping around and testing systems pay the premium and you'll be happy.
b) if you fancy trying a few systems over a period of time, then it's not worth the premium.
you takes your choice..... is time more valuable to you then shopping for a system ??????
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